Energizing The World: 2024 Battery Technology Quick Guide

In 2024, the landscape of battery technology is more diverse and innovative than ever.

Here's a quick-guide to help you understand what's ahead in 2024.

Lithium-Ion Batteries - The Current King

Lithium-Ion batteries, the backbone of mobile electronics and EVs, continue to evolve in 2024.

Panasonic's latest development in its electric vehicle battery cells, known as the 2170 cells, marks a leap forward.

These cells are expected to significantly enhance energy density – a key factor in how much energy a battery can store for its size.

The energy density of lithium-ion batteries has reached up to 250-270 Wh/kg, outperforming older technologies like lead-acid batteries (<100 Wh/kg) and nickel-metal hydride batteries (~100 Wh/kg).

Looking to the future, advancements in lithium-ion technology are anticipated to push these limits even further, aiming for higher energy densities, faster charging times, and improved safety profiles.

Solid-State Batteries - The Top Challenger

2023 was a milestone year for solid-state batteries, a technology offering enhanced safety and longer lifespans.

These batteries use solid electrolytes, eliminating the flammability risks associated with liquid electrolytes in conventional batteries.

Harvard University's research has been pivotal in this area, leading to a solid-state battery that can be recharged in mere minutes and maintains 80% capacity even after 6,000 cycles.

Additionally, Toyota is making headway in this field, with plans to introduce electric vehicles powered by solid-state batteries, expected to offer a 750-mile range and 10-minute charging​​.

Solid-state batteries are paving the way for faster-charging, longer-lasting EVs, reshaping the future of transportation and energy storage.

Sodium-Ion Batteries - The Cost Saver

2023 marked significant advancements in Sodium-Ion battery technology, establishing it as a viable alternative to Lithium-Ion.

Operating on abundant sodium, these batteries present a cost-effective solution, particularly advantageous for large-scale energy storage.

Key advancements in Sodium-Ion batteries include:

• Energy Density: Achieving energy densities of 165 Wh/kg, they're becoming increasingly competitive with Lithium-Ion batteries.

• Cost Efficiency: The use of more readily available materials potentially reduces costs by up to 30% compared to Lithium-Ion batteries.

Companies like CATL are spearheading the development of Sodium-Ion batteries, focusing on improving energy density and life cycle. This progress is crucial for broader adoption in various industries.

Lithium-Air Batteries - The Newcomer

Lithium-Air batteries operate by combining lithium with oxygen from the air, a process that offers significant energy density advantages. 

Key features of Lithium-Air batteries include:

• High Energy Density: These batteries can theoretically achieve energy densities up to 500 Wh/kg or more, potentially exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.

• Environmental Impact: They offer a more environmentally friendly option as they rely on oxygen, an abundant resource, reducing the need for heavy metals.

While Lithium-Air technology is still under development, companies like PolyPlus are at the forefront of exploring its potential. They are working on making these batteries more durable, efficient, and suitable for commercial use.

What’s In Store For 2024

Innovations like quantum battery technology and solid-state lithium-metal batteries are in the pipeline, promising transformative changes in everything from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and grid storage.

All of these advances hold the key to overcoming current limitations and unlocking a new era of efficient, sustainable, and powerful energy solutions.

BioLite: Fire Without the Smoke

This new take on the classic campfire is blowing our minds. Imagine enjoying the warmth and crackle of a real wood fire, but without dancing around to avoid smoke in your eyes. That's right, no more smoky clothes!

This thing uses smart tech to burn off the smoke. It's got 31 jets that pump air right where it's needed, the process eliminates 90% of the smoke, making the fire burn more efficiently. Less smoke, less fuel used, and way more sustainable.

🌳 Rio De Janeiro Embraces Drones For High-tech Reforestation 

• Courtesy of startup Morfo, drones teamed up with AI dropping 180 seed capsules per minute, making planting trees faster and smarter.

• This high-tech innovation using drone power for precise, efficient reforestation aims to be the blueprint for cities worldwide.

💄 L’Oréal AI skincare aims to lead the green beauty revolution 

• L’Oréal is focused on sustainability, shipping over 80% of their e-commerce goodies in Southeast Asia with green packaging, a new criteria for supply chain partner selection.

• Robust growth driven by a young population with growing beauty aspirations and purchasing power, as well as a significant presence of tech and digital natives.

🍸 Booze company making vodka from carbon dioxide

• Aircohol is turning climate culprit CO2 into vodka-like drinks using a new bioreactor, chopping the industry’s carbon footprint in half.

• With a fresh €2.4m investment and in conversation with big alcohol brands, Aircohol's founder is eyeing a UK debut in 2-3 years, leading the charge in the eco-friendly booze category.